Dad seeks pullout of mini-buses from South Bus Terminal

CEBU, Philippines – To address overcrowding at the Cebu City South Bus Terminal and decongest traffic along Natalio Bacalso Avenue, a city councilor is proposing that mini passenger buses be made to load and unload passengers in accredited private terminals.

Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem, chairman of the City Council committee on transportation, also proposed that operators of these buses be allowed, at their option, to own or operate their exclusive terminals, subject to restrictions by the city.

Councilor Edgardo Labella, chairman of the council committee on laws and ordinances, said there is no legal impediment to Jakosalem’s proposal, which, in effect, would amend City Ordinance 1784.

Yet Labella recommended that a public hearing be held to get the views of stakeholders, especially the operators of the mini buses.

Jakosalem made the proposal on observations that the South Bus Terminal is no longer capable of accommodating the increasing number of buses that load and unload passengers at the public terminal.

Likewise, the construction of new buildings and establishments in the area has reportedly contributed to the congestion both inside the terminal and the vehicle traffic outside along Natalio Bacalso Avenue.

“The situation has become worse so that traffic congestion, parking confusion and plain overcrowding inside the terminal have become critical and urgently call for remedial measure,” Labella said. — Rene U. Borromeo/JMO (THE FREEMAN)